City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Cebu — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Cebu
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 15.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Cebu.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Cebu | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $511 | +$321 |
| Groceries | $226 | $538 | $312 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $149 | $1 |
| Transportation | $25 | $25 | $0 |
| Utilities | $145 | $201 | $56 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $76 | +$48 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Cebu equivalent
$478
per month
Only $478/mo in Cebu matches $1,500/mo in Rome — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Rome on $1,500/month?
Living in Rome on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$832 to rent, $226 to groceries, $148 to dining.
Can I live in Cebu on $1,500/month?
In Cebu, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $511 rent, $538 groceries, $149 dining.
Is Rome or Cebu cheaper?
Cebu is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Cebu 15.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Cebu?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$478/mo in Cebu using COL adjustment.